The only common factor was a strong northerly wind that chilled the whole nation - and meant the lambs at Buckfastleigh, Devon, had to keep their waterproof coats on to avoid losing heat.

But, with our famously wonky weather, it could all change soon. Some areas of Southern England which were bathed in sunshine yesterday may be hit by wintry showers later in the week.

Northern Scotland was worst affected yesterday, with up to two inches of snow in low-lying areas and up to eight inches on higher ground.

More than 100 schools closed in Aberdeenshire and the Highlands and temperatures were expected to plunge as low as minus 10C (14F) in the mountains. Heavy snow also fell along the east coast of England, with around six inches on the North Yorkshire Moors.

Roads were treacherous. The A64 between Scarborough and York and the A171 between Scarborough and Whitby were like skating rinks. The A170 Scarborough to Thirsk road was closed after an accident involving a gritter lorry. There was also disruption from snow in Wales and the West Country.

Meanwhile on the Thames, strong winds and high spring tides forced the flood barrier near Woolwich to be closed.

Widespread frosts are expected over the next few days, but a Met Office spokesman said most major cities will probably not see any snow. However, with conditions so volatile, bookmakers have slashed the odds of a White Easter on April 16 to 16-1.

Spring officially starts on March 20 at the vernal equinox, when day and night are of equal length. But the Met Office now regards today, March 1, as the start - and yesterday, the parting with tradition was raised in the Commons by Tory MP Sir Nicholas Winterton.

He asked Defence Secretary John Reid "for what reason and on whose authority" the date has been changed. The Met Office said last night: "We regard March, April and May as the spring months, and June, July and August as the summer months.

"You would not regard the first three weeks of June as spring, yet historically, summer does not start until June 21. Equally, the bulk of people now regard March 1 as the first day of spring."